Best Universities in Dubai in 2026: Top Courses, Acceptance Rate and Fees

Lakshmi

7 min read

Updated On Feb 20, 2026

The best universities in Dubai in 2026 include the University of Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, and more, with annual fees from AED 40,000-90,000 and strong programs in engineering, business, and IT. Keep reading to compare and choose wisely!

Limited-time offer : Access a free 10-Day IELTS study plan curated for you

Top 10 Best Universities in Dubai for Indians
Best MBA Universities In Dubai
Best Engineering Universities In Dubai
Best Medical Universities in Dubai
Best Architecture Universities in Dubai
List of Local Universities in Dubai
Top Indian Universities in Dubai
Eligibility Requirements for Best Universities in Dubai For Indian Students
Scholarships for Top Universities in Dubai
Secure Your Seat in the Best Universities in Dubai with GetGIS Assistance

Planning to study in the UAE? The Best universities in Dubai in 2026 include top names like American University in Dubai (AUD), Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Middlesex University Dubai, and the University of Dubai. These universities offer globally recognized degrees, modern campuses, and strong industry connections.

Dubai has become a major education hub with international branch campuses, diverse student communities, and programs in business, engineering, IT, media, and more. With flexible admission options and strong career exposure in the Middle East, it’s attracting students from across the world. Explore rankings, fees, popular courses, and admission requirements in this blog.

Top 10 Best Universities in Dubai for Indians

Dubai has become a popular study destination for Indian students due to its global campuses, safe environment, and strong job market. The top universities in Dubai offer internationally recognized degrees, diverse programs, and good post-study career opportunities. Below is a list of the best universities along with their average tuition fees, acceptance rate, and employability rate.

University	QS Ranking (2026)	Average Annual Tuition Fee (USD)	Acceptance Rate	Employability Rate
American University in Dubai (AUD)	678	23,000 - 28,000	75%	85%
University of Dubai (UD)	851-900	17,000 - 22,000	70%	78%
Heriot-Watt University Dubai	287 (UK parent ranking)	15,000 - 20,000	65%	82%
Zayed University	595	14,000 - 18,000	60%	75%
Middlesex University Dubai	801-850 (UK parent ranking)	13,000 - 18,000	85%	80%
Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai	851-900 (India parent ranking)	11,000 - 15,000	80%	77%
Canadian University Dubai (CUD)	604	18,000 - 23,000	70%	83%
SP Jain School of Global Management	N/A	28,000 - 35,000	60%	85%
Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai	951- 1,000 (US parent ranking)	20,000 - 25,000	70%	80%
The British University in Dubai	N/A	19,000 - 24,000	65%	75%

Also Read: Best Universities for Indian Students Abroad

Best MBA Universities In Dubai

The list of 5 best MBA colleges in Dubai for Indian students along with fee structure and the courses offered are as follows:

University	Average Annual Tuition Fee (USD)	Specializations/Courses Offered
SP Jain School of Global Management	17,640 - 50,000	Global MBA, Executive MBA, Master of Global Business, Master of Artificial Intelligence in Business
American University in Dubai (AUD)	44,948	Finance, Marketing, Management, Strategic Human Resource Management & Leadership
Heriot-Watt University Dubai	29,675	Part-time MBA or full-time MBA in Strategic Planning or Finance
Canadian University Dubai (CUD)	28,416	MBA in - Finance, General Management, Human Resources, Marketing
University of Dubai (UD)	20,419	General MBA, MBA in Fintech, MBA in Global Supply Chain, MBA in Digital Marketing, MBA in Strategic Human Capital

Quick Read: Master’s in Business Administration in Dubai

Best Engineering Universities In Dubai

Dubai offers strong engineering programs with international recognition, modern labs, and industry connections that help students get practical experience and career exposure. Below are the universities in Dubai that are especially known for their engineering courses in fields like mechanical, electrical, computer, and civil engineering.

University	Average Annual Tuition Fee (USD)	Popular Engineering Courses
University of Wollongong in Dubai	22,000 - 25,000	Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Telecommunications Engineering (UG and PG)
BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus	15,000 - 19,000	Mechanical, Electrical & Electronics, Computer Science & Design Engineering
University of Birmingham Dubai	24,000 - 30,000	Civil, Electrical & Mechanical Engineering (UK-validated)
University of Dubai	15,000 - 19,000	Electrical, Computer & Civil Engineering
The British University in Dubai	17,000 - 20,000	Electro-Mechanical, Computer Science & Cyber Security Engineering
Heriot‑Watt University Dubai	17,500 - 22,000	Mechanical, Civil, Petroleum & Data/Smart Systems Engineering
Amity University Dubai	15,000 - 20,000	Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, AI & Robotics Engineering

Suggested Reading: 10 Best IT Universities in Dubai

Best Medical Universities in Dubai

Below is a list of the top universities in Dubai for Medicine students, along with tuition fees and programs offered for international students.

University	Average Annual Tuition Fee (USD)	Programs Offered
Zayed University	16,335 - 21,000	Psychology Health Sciences
De Montfort University Dubai	17,052	BSc (Hons) in Health and Social Care MSc in Public Health, MSc in Health Psychology
Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences	23,142	Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) Master of Public Health, Master of Science in Clinical Research

Best Architecture Universities in Dubai

The top universities in Dubai for aspiring architects, along with tuition fees and programs offered, include:

University	Average Annual Tuition Fee (USD)	Programs Offered
Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation	26,681	Bachelor of Design
American University in Dubai	19,058	Bachelor of Architecture Master of Architecture
Canadian University Dubai	21,780	Bachelor of Architectural Science Master of Architecture
Heriot-Watt University, Dubai	19,058	Bachelor of Science in Architecture Master of Architecture

List of Local Universities in Dubai

Dubai is home to 5 public and 58 private colleges and universities catering to both Emirates and the diverse, expatriate population. Each university in Dubai operates independently, resulting in differences in academic focus, degree levels, and specialisations.

While some institutions offer only undergraduate or postgraduate programs, others specialise in specific disciplines. The Universities in Dubai are generally classified as either Local Universities (founded in Dubai) or International Branch Campuses (overseas institutions with Dubai) based campuses. Some of the most notable local universities in Dubai include:

Al Ghurair University (AGU)

Located in Dubai International Academy City (DIAC), AGU is a private university licensed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR).
The university offers bachelors degree programs through 3 colleges, i.e., the College of Business Studies, College of Computing, and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. It also features a School of Design that prepares students for careers in Interior design

University of Dubai

Centrally located in Dubai the University of Dubai is both nationally and internationally accredited.
Initially established to address workforce skills gap, UD now offers bachelors degree in fields such as business administration, finance, accounting, marketing and information technology. Along with Postgraduate Programs including MBA, MSc in Information Systems, and LLM in law

Zayed University

One of the UAE's government sponsored universities - Zayed University operates campuses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, comprises 6 colleges offering internationally recognised undergraduate and graduate degrees in Business, Education, Arts, Technological Innovation, Communication and Sustainable Sciences.
The university is also home to the Institute of Islamic World Studies and University College, which helps students transition to university level academics

Biotechnology University College, Dubai

BUC is a MOHESR accredited institution, specialising in Biotechnology. The university offers UG and PG courses in Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical and Medical Science, Environmental and Agricultural studies, Petroleum and Industrial studies and Bioinformatics.
The College of features a modern campus and supports students through internships, exchange programs and scholarships

Higher Colleges of Technology

One of the largest higher education institutions in the UAE, HCT has graduated over 55,000 nationals in Dubai. It operates Dubai Men's College (DMC) and Dubai Women's College (DWC).
These campuses offer programs in Business, IT, Engineering, Health Sciences and Applied Communication with DWC also providing Education Focused courses
DMC located in DIAC since 2004 is well equipped with advanced educational recreational and sports facilities, and offers graduate programs in fields like engineering, management and computer sciences

Explore: International Scholarships for Indian Students

Top Indian Universities in Dubai

Many Indian universities and their affiliated campuses in Dubai offer familiar curricula, strong community support, and global exposure. These institutions blend academic structure with international opportunities, making them attractive options for Indian students.

University	Average Annual Tuition Fee (USD)	Popular Courses
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai	11,000 - 15,000	Engineering, Business, Media & Communication, Life Sciences
Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani - Dubai Campus	15,000 - 19,000	Engineering, Computer Science, Electronics, Business Management
Amity University Dubai	12,000 - 20,000	B.Tech, Business Administration, Mass Communication, Hospitality
Symbiosis International University Dubai	12,000 - 18,000	Management, Technology, Media & Communications
VIT University Dubai	12,000 - 17,000	Engineering, Business, IT, Computer Applications
Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Dubai	25,000 - 28,000	MBA, BBA, Business Administration, Management Studies

Quick Read: Post-Study Work Options in UAE

Eligibility Requirements for Best Universities in Dubai For Indian Students

The eligibility criteria for international students to study in Dubai based on your level of study are as follows:

1. Criteria for Undergraduate Students

The eligibility requirements for undergraduate students aiming to pursue education in Dubai include:

Criteria	Requirements
Language Proficiency	IELTS (5.5 and above) TOEFL (71 and above)
Qualification	Must have completed 10+2 with at least 60%
Exams	EmSAT (university-specific)
Exemptions	Students with high academic scores (75% & above) may be exempted from requiring language score

2. Criteria for Postgraduate Students

The specific eligibility requirements might vary based on the university chosen by the student, however, the generic criteria to ensure for applying to the best universities in Dubai for masters include:

Criteria	Requirements
Qualifications	Must have 60% and more in undergraduate degree
Language Proficiency	IELTS (6.0 and above) TOEFL (79 and above)
Work Experience	2-4 years of relevant work experience (depending on the university)
Adhere to University Criteria	Any specific criteria or requirements set by the university

Check Out: Average Cost of Living in Dubai for Indian Students & Families

Scholarships for Top Universities in Dubai

The top universities in Dubai offer financial support to international students through merit-based awards, full tuition waivers, and special grants, helping reduce the cost of studying abroad. These scholarship options are available for undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with varying eligibility criteria based on academic performance, sports achievements, or leadership excellence.

Scholarship	Amount / Coverage	Details
Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Scholarship (University of Dubai)	Up to 100% tuition	Full scholarship available to students of any nationality to study business, engineering, IT, or law; merit-based criteria apply.
University of Dubai Merit Scholarships	Up to 50% tuition	Partial awards for high-achieving students with strong high school/CGPA results; maintain academic performance to keep funding.
DMU Dubai International Scholarship	Up to 30% tuition	Merit, sports, and community engagement scholarships available for foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs.
UOWD Academic Merit Scholarship	15%-50% fee waiver	University of Wollongong Dubai offers discounted tuition for high academic achievers, continuing students, or athletes.
Khalifa University International Scholarships	Full tuition + stipend	Fully funded awards, including a monthly stipend and insurance for top performers (mainly STEM fields).
MBZUAI Scholarships	100% tuition + stipend + housing	Full funding for postgraduate and research students at the AI university (includes stipend and accommodation).

Secure Your Seat in the Best Universities in Dubai with GetGIS Assistance

The education landscape of Dubai is continuously evolving and this offers great of opportunities to international students aspiring to experience diverse and globally recognized degrees.

Are you also looking forward to embracing the unique strengths and innovative learning opportunities in Dubai, reach out to GetGIS study abroad expert assistance. We have got you covered from query handling, university selection, requirements sorting and more.

Book Your Free Consultation

Also Read:

Tags
Study Abroad

Limited-time offer : Access a free 10-Day IELTS study plan curated for you

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best university in Dubai?

Zayed University is considered to be the best university in Dubai. The university is known for its high academic standards, varied course options, etc. The University in Dubai and Heriot-Watt University Dubai are the next best options that can be considered for applying

Which is the best college in Dubai for commerce?

The Canadian University Dubai (CUD) is considered to be the best college in Dubai for commerce and business courses.

Is Dubai good for international students?

Yes. Dubai is considered to be one of the best destination for student wanting to pursue education abroad. The city is home to many world-ranking universities that offer varied programs and specializations to choose from along with the benefit if practical learning opportunities.

Which course is in demand in Dubai?

Engineering, IT, business management, healthcare and finance courses are among the top in demand list in Dubai considering the evolving needs of the city and the economic landscape.

Which are the highest paid jobs in Dubai?

AI specialists, data scientists, prompt engineers, CFOs, CMOs, sales directors, financial analysts, risk managers, cyber security architects, mechanical engineers, civil engineers, chemical engineers, etc are among the highest paid professionals in Dubai.

Can international students work part time while studying in Dubai?

Yes. International students are eligible to work part-time jobs for up to 15 hours per week or 60 hours per month during their academic sessions.

What is the University of Dubai acceptance rate?

The University of Dubai acceptance rate is estimated to be around 60-70%, making it moderately selective. Admission depends on your academic scores and program requirements.